THAILAND

Who doesn’t love Thailand? It’s one of the most popular backpacker destinations in the world and home to some pretty awesome street food.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Phuket, Thailand (2019)

Phuket / THAILAND / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Oct 24, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Phuket refers to both the province and the island in southern Thailand. It's the country's second smallest province but it's biggest island, home to beautiful white sand beaches along its southern and western coast and a spattering of smaller islands just off the mainland.

Phuket Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Phuket, Thailand

FOOD GUIDES / Phuket / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 4, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Phuket was once a port of call, routinely seeing traders from China, India, Malaysia, Persia, Arabia, Indonesia, and Portugal. Each of these traders brought with them spices, recipes, and cooking techniques that helped shape Phuket's cuisine.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand (2019)

Bangkok / THAILAND / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 12, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and its biggest city by far. It's a top tourist destination which is consistently ranked among the world's most visited cities. In fact, so popular and beloved is Bangkok that it was voted the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure magazine readers for four consecutive years.

Bangkok Food Guide: 12 Must-Eat Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok / FOOD GUIDES / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 12, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Ren and I have been to Bangkok many times over the years and the one thing that keeps us coming back is the food. With all the things to love about Bangkok, the food is definitely the biggest draw for us. Go anywhere in Bangkok and you’re guaranteed to find good food.

Phuket Food Tour: Experience Phuket Old Town Like a Local With A Chef’s Tour

Phuket / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 4, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

If you're visiting Phuket and looking for a fun, informative food tour, then you should seriously consider this one. Pema is an excellent guide with an infectious enthusiasm for her town, a town that seems to hold as much wonder for her now as it did when she was a little girl.

The 7 Best Places to Try Thai Food in Krabi, Thailand

FOOD GUIDES / Krabi / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 5, 2019 Lavanya Rajaian

Krabi is most definitely a beach paradise, reeling in people from all over the globe for its mix of beauty and culture. Adventure sports, food and natural beauty; this small town offers a little taste of everything. Quite literally though, it offers much more than a taste of the vibrant local food culture.

Chiang Mai Food Guide: 11 Must-Eat Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai / FOOD GUIDES / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 13, 2020 JB & Renée Macatulad

As always, we try to find the best restaurants when we travel and that's exactly what we sought to do when coming up with this Chiang Mai food guide. We consulted trusted food blogs and crowd review sites to find the best examples of local dishes in Chiang Mai. Things like the best khao soi, the best kai yang, and the best suki are all represented here.

On Fine Dining and Rooftop Views at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 12, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao is easily the nicest hotel we've stayed at in Bangkok. It's a 5-star hotel integrated with a shopping mall and features seven restaurants, six of which have at least a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor. If you fly for food like we do, then you're going to enjoy staying at this hotel.

Enjoy Amazing Cliffside Views of Karon Beach at Centara Villas Phuket, Thailand

Phuket / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 4, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Karon Bay, Centara Villas Phuket lies along a mountain range stretching from north to south on the western side of the island. It offers soaring sweeping views of the ocean and could very well be one of the most romantic resorts in Phuket.

Pai Karen Village Foraging Adventure: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience with A Chef’s Tour in Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 5, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

I'll be honest, this foraging adventure isn't for everyone. It's rough, it's tough, the food will challenge you and the accommodations may make you uncomfortable, but it's one of the most memorable things I've ever done in my life and I'm grateful to have experienced it.

Suan Bua Thai Restaurant: Experience Royal Court Cuisine at Centara Grand in Bangkok

Bangkok / THAILAND / THE WORLD'S BEST / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 12, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Chef Por of Suan Bua creates Thai court cuisine from the royal kitchen of King Rama V. He aims to keep the flavors authentic and intact, but present the dishes in a modern, more contemporary way.

Stunning Views and Fresh Seafood at The Cliff Restaurant, Centara Villas Phuket

Phuket / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 4, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

The Cliff Restaurant is the main restaurant of Centara Villas Phuket, a 4-star hotel located on a cliff offering the most stunning views of Karon Bay.

Cooking Thai Food Made Fun & Easy at Phuket Easy Thai Cooking

Phuket / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Aug 4, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

We recently spent a week in Phuket and took this fun cooking class with Karn at Phuket Easy Thai Cooking. She's an engaging and passionate cook who took us under the hood of dishes like Thai green curry, tom yum, and pad Thai, to show us exactly what goes into making these popular Thai favorites.

10 Isan Thai Foods You Have to Try in Bangkok

Bangkok / FOOD GUIDES / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 5, 2019 Josh Shephard

Isan food originates from this eastern region of Thailand. The dishes are more similar to those from Laos than the other regions in Thailand such as Bangkok, the south or the north. There are less curries, more grilled meats, and spicy salads on the menu.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai / THAILAND / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 12, 2020 JB & Renée Macatulad

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and is considered one of the most culturally significant cities in the region. But don't let its historical and cultural appeal fool you. Chiang Mai has modernized in many ways and expanded far beyond the walls of the Old City. In fact, it's become a haven for backpackers and digital nomads in recent years.

How to Plan for the 2019 Yee (Yi) Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 5, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

After experiencing Yee Peng in 2017, I wanted to write an article describing the ins and outs of the festival, something that could answer important questions about the event in a single post. If you're looking to attend the 2019 Yee Peng Festival, then I hope you find this guide useful.

Elephant Nature Park: A True Animal Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 17, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

What drew me to Elephant Nature Park is it's "no elephant riding" policy. There are no bull hooks here, no elephants forced to kick soccer balls or paint for the entertainment of tourists. Instead, the park functions as a true rescue center and animal reserve.

Go Temple Hopping in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand

Chiang Mai / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jun 17, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Many people who visit Chiang Mai do bucket-list-worthy activities like visiting an elephant sanctuary or attending the Yee Peng or Songkran festivals. But there's a lot you can do within the Old City as well, less epic but equally memorable things like cafe hopping or conversing with monks.